The «ugly-chic» footwear aka pool slide trend is major this S/S 2018 season. I have to admit that I haven’t arrived there yet… I mean I am talking about the plastic slip-ons first made popular by Adidas (in German we called them «Adiletten» and they were a no-go) that are now popular like hell. This season almost every designer has given them an upgrade from embellishments to crystals, from mink to feathers, just get your wallet ready!

Past weekend, NZZ am Sonntag published their curated list of the50 best dressed, most stylish people of Switzerland and I was voted among them. Thanks a lot to the jury!

I share position 20 with Jacques Herzog, the famous architect of Herzog & de Meuron, who are known for their long-standing collaboration on architectural and fashion projects with Miuccia Prada among others. To find out more who has been included, and for more photos and interviews (unfortunately in German), visit bellevue.nzz.ch.

Last week in London, I wore one of my favorite dresses by Mary Katrantzou. The so-called Knight dress draws inspiration from vintage 1960s ties. Its striped bodice opens to a pleated skirt decorated with an array of typical animal prints you would see on an Hermès tie. Have you ever thought of transforming your hubby’s old ties into something new for you?! Might be worth the thought… If you are wondering why I am wearing such chunky boots, it was raining cats and dogs.

The photos were taken in my beautiful Belgravia Suite at the COMO The Halkin. A hotel review will be coming up shortly.

Remember when I attended the Shiseido press conference last December. Now I am finally allowed to show you the new must-haves. Let me get started with an amazing foundation that has truly surprised me. NARS Cosmetics has introduced its new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, its first 16-hour fade-resistant foundation with full-powered radiance. Its unstoppable medium-to-full buildable coverage stays vibrant and fresh, as if just applied. First, I thought it has a little too much coverage but somehow magically it blends in with your skin after a few seconds leaving your complexion absolutely flawless.

Applying the new Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation at the press conference.

The staying power is enhanced by a patent pending technology that delivers a uniquely weightless texture with superior bendability for an imperceptible effect that looks like skin.Formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex—a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that helps support skin elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture – while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.

Available in 33 skin-matching shades (how amazing is this range?!), from deep espresso to the fairest tones. Available for CHF 67.- each now.

If you are at the counter or shopping online, don’t miss the new Spring 2018 look and the limited editionNARSissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette that has 12 shimmering, matte and satin shades, ranging from pale-pink and nude to rose gold, so you can easily customize your look to suit every occasion. The colors are truly divine and its powder formula lasts all day long!

This week, I was in London for Fashion Week and treated myself to the legendary Prêt-à-Porteadesigner afternoon tea experience at the Berkeley Hotel which is inspired by the world of fashion. I had already done it once 6 years ago (for the previous post click here please) and was curious to see the Collins Room after it had undergone renovations.

You might be wondering what is Prèt-à-Portea exactly? It is a menu of couture cakes especially designed for the respective season gets a makeover every six months to reflect the latest catwalk trends, colours and designs. For F/W 2017-18, Head Pastry ChefMourad Khiat has sent out a brand new collection of exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. It takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion and accessory designers, and the latest creations shown on the international fashion runways.

YOUR FASHIONISTA’S TEA INCLUDES
A delicate collection of cakes and fancies inspired by the world’s finest designers:

Gucci’s kimono, complete with a charming parasol, transformed into a pomegranate and grenadine bavarois, with cassis and apple compote topped with a crystallised edible flower and a chocolate parasol.

Miu Miu’s luxuriously warm coat transformed into a bûche of pistachio crémeux set on hazelnut sable and topped with waved meringue.

Christopher Kane’s ‘LBD’ taken to another level with stunning flowers and transformed into a chocolate moelleux cake with lacte café and Bailey’s cream, finished with sugar flowers.

Dolce & Gabbana’s stand-out dress, now an almond génoise complete with a mango & passion fruit insert and a cocktail caraibe mousse, topped with a rainbow of chocolate disks.

Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose from a large selection of loose leaf teas (I personally recommend the Ceylon & Rose tea) from the hotel’s extensive collection and treat yourself to a glass of bubbly like I did. Raise a toast in style!

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £52.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £62.00 per person.
Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rosé, Bollinger Rosé or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, £70.00 per person.
A 12.5% discretionary service charge will be added to your bill.

THE PRET-A-PORTEA BOOK
There is also a great coffee table (I meant tea table book :-)) that I can recommend: «Prêt-à-Portea: High-Fashion Bakes and Biscuits» was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Berkeley’s iconic afternoon tea with 20 recipes and baking techniques from the hotel’s Head Pastry ChefMourad Khiat. To buy the book, click here please.

Launched for the first time as a limited-edition capsule collection directly after the Pre-fall 2017 runway as a see-now-buy-now movement, Alberta Ferretti‘s so-called «Rainbow Week» consists of seven wool and cashmere sweaters in mood-boosting hues, each dedicated to a day of the week. Some come in cropped versions, others such as «Friday» in a more comfy oversized look.

I am sure that you do remember this «days of the week underwear» that probably many of you wore as a child. I actually loved those and here is the adult version. Now, the Italian designer takes its successful idea to new heights with a re-issue of the «Rainbow Week» in different vibrant or pastel colors as well as striped pieces that say «Today», «Tomorrow» and «Yesterday». Moreover there are now bathing suits, T-shirts, cropped tops, hats and fake fur jackets available in matching shades.

You can mix and match the colors and style the must-have pieces with your favorite pair of jeans for the perfect off-duty look or dress them up with a sexy lace skirt as Alberta Ferretti has shown it on the runway. I love all combinations!

YOU CAN SHOP THE COLLECTION AT LUISAVIAROMA AND FARFETCH.
Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

Last week, I was invited to explore the new brand HAIR RITUEL by SISLEY PARIS and I have absolutely fallen in love with it! The Swiss team of SISLEY PARIS had invited hair stylist Rolf Baettig and his Intercoiffure crew from St. Gallen and Romanshorn to explain and show us the new products more in details. Moreover, I was treated to my own experience and trust me, those products are absolutely amazing, easy to handle and great for your hair! Let me tell you a little more about the concept.

Backed by a unique, forty-year history of expertise in skincare, Sisley Research is now extending its know-how to hair care with six essential treatment products creating a complete, sensorial beauty ritual intended for both women and men. Formulated with high concentrations of powerful plant-based active ingredients as we know them from the brand’s facial and body care, HAIR RITUEL by SISLEY PARIS hair care products act on both the scalp and the hair fibre to provide global action.

Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo with Camellia Oil, 200ml– CHF 75.00This volumizing shampoo is formulated to give you fuller locks and improve density over time by targeting each hair bulb and fiber. Sulfate-free, it’s enriched with Camellia oil to gently cleanse while enriching the scalp with essential vitamins and minerals to leave your tresses shinier and instantly thicker.

Revitalizing Smoothing Shampoo with Macademia Oil, 200ml – CHF 75.00Perfect for dry or damaged hair, the revitalizing smoothing shampoo is formulated with vitamins and minerals to restore your tresses to shiny and vibrant health. The Shea, Moringa and Macadamia Oil nourish and soften while Cotton Proteins rebuild ends to stop further breakage. The light fragrance provides a refreshing experience as you cleanse.

Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton Proteins, 200ml– CHF 70.00As well as smoothing cuticles and detangling strands, the brand’s new conditioner is a little like a supplement for your locks. Cotton Proteins and Ceramide-like actives rebuild each follicle’s protein and lipid structures at a cellular level, while pro-Vitamin B5 stimulates growth for thickness and length. The result is nourished hair that’s made naturally stronger and glossier from within.

Regenerating Hair Care Mask, 200ml – CHF 98.00The mask is devine! Designed to intensely nourish damaged hair, it is enriched with a fortifying blend of Shea, Macadamia, Camellia and Hazelnut oils to hydrate and strengthen each strand from the root, it’s packed with restorative plant-based proteins and vitamins that leave your mane feeling soft and replenished.

Precious Hair Care Oil Glossiness & Hydration, 100ml – CHF 100.00This hair oil is designed to be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of damp or dry hair to give it a last-minute dose of glossiness and hydration. It’s uniquely formulated with a blend of Passion Fruit, Shea, Cotton and Moringa Oils that smooth the cuticles, limit dehydration and create a weightless, protective film around each fiber. An indispensable finishing touch to your routine, it will make locks feel healthy and radiant.

Revitalising Fortifying Serum for Scalp, 60ml – CHF 188.00If you want to tackle frizzy or lackluster hair, this serum is the answer. Enriched with plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins and minerals, this light and non-greasy formula gets to work starting from your scalp by encouraging growth and promoting strength, whilst protecting your natural color (like in my favorite Sisley mascara «So Intense»). It can be applied as little or as much as needed, so for a more intense treatment try a few drops every other day.

Yesterday, I flew back from London Heathrow filled with amazing memories from Fashion Week that I will soon share with you. When I am flying, I like to be comfy but still look stylish. Leather leggings and a striped sweater are one of my favorite combinations and the trending baker boy cap adds a little French touch!